GUY Verhofstadt has exposed splits in the European Parliament over the best way to tackle Brexit, after he proposed an ‘association agreement’ between the EU and the UK.

The European Parliament’s Brexit representative set out a much softer line in last week’s draft resolution that MEPs will vote on in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

The plans for closer ties paves the way for a closer, more flexible and dynamic relationship between Britain and the European Union.

The MEP wants the ‘association agreement’ to include access to European bodies like the European Medicines Agency after Brexit.

But insiders believe Verhofstadt’s softer line lays bare splits in Europe over Brexit - with some after a pragmatic deal and leader Donald Tusk leading a hardline federalist faction that rejects close cooperation and an ‘association agreement’.

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Both sides now want to capitalise on December’s breakthrough Phase One Brexit agreement, which saw both sides agree on citizens’ rights, the Irish border and the divorce bill - which is likely to top £35billion.

John Major and Tony Blair, however, are among those unhappy with how talks have progressed.

The former prime ministers argue that leaving the Customs Union and diverging from EU laws could mean a hard border for Ireland.

The European Parliament said: “We must ensure that the commitments made with respect to Northern Ireland are fully enforceable.”

Brexit debate in pictures

Mon, April 17, 2017

The debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg will focus on key issues of the Brexit talks including reciprocal rights for EU citizens, the peace process in Northern Ireland and trade

Former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage (L) gestures as he speaks with EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker (R) prior to a debate on the conclusions of the last European Council, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Verhofstadt’s plans appear much closer to Theresa May’s Mansion House speech aims and a senior UK Government official welcomed ‘association agreement’ proposals, calling them “a clear framework that can encompass a wide-ranging relationship”.

Speaking last week, Mr Verhofstadt said: “A free trade agreement (FTA) is simply not enough, we need cooperation also in other areas.

“We are proposing an 'association agreement' but one that is totally different from other countries…it would be far broader, more detailed and more specific than those.

“What we are proposing is more ambitious.”

Phase Two talks will begin in the Spring, aiming to define the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU.

The EP said: “A third country cannot have the same benefits as a Member State of the EU or an EFTA/EEA Member, no matter how closely it is aligned.